This is a problem for employers, as they must use valuable resources to address all those other 98 percent of claims that have no merit and are not acted on by OSHA. These claims can be costly and further drive up the cost of doing business in the United States. As several of the aforementioned bills have expansive whistleblower enhancements included, we would hope that Congress would take the time to carefully review and debate the effectiveness of such measures.

The signs of such careful review are not encouraging. The Offshore Oil and Gas Worker Whistleblower Protection Act of 2010 was introduced by Rep. George Miller (D-CA) late Monday night and is slated to be voted on by the full House on Friday. The speedy action is far from the regular order that would allow the careful consideration of such a major bill that would divert resources away from job creation.